23 
his work attracted the attention of the late Mr. Bentham, and is 
mentioned in the preface (vol. i. p. 8) to that author’s Flora 
Australiensis. On the occurrence of a vacancy in 1865 Mr. Hemsley 
was appointed Herbarium Clerk, succeeding Mr. Alexander Smith. 
A complete breakdown in health compelled Mr. Hemsley to 
relinquish this post in 1867, but on his partial recovery he returned 
to Kew in 1874 as an independent worker, and in 1883, his health 
having become completely restored, he re-entered the service of 
Kew as Assistant for India. In 1890 Mr. Hemsley was appointed 
a Principal Assistant in the Herbarium, and in 1899 he succeeded 
Mr. J. G. Baker as Keeper of the Herbarium and Library. 
In certifying that Mr. Hemsley has discharged his official duties 
with diligence and fidelity and to their entire satisfaction, the - 
Board of Agriculture and Fisheries have further placed on record 
“their appreciation of the very valuable services which Mr. Hemsley 
has rendered to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew since he 
became associated with that institution, now nearly 49 years ago. 
His constant courtesy and kindness to his colleagues, the ability 
which he has brought to the discharge of his duties, and his high 
scientific attainments have all contributed materially to the 
maintenance and development of the distinguished reputation 
which Kew enjoys both at home and abroad. The Board greatly 
regret that Mr. Hemsley’s retirement has become necessary, but 
they trust that he will be spared for many years to come to continue 
his labours on behalf of that science with which his name is so 
honourably associated and towards the prosecution of which he has 
done so much.” 
On December 29th the members of the Herbarium staff handed 
to Mr. Hemsley the following farewell address :—“* We, who 
have been associated with you in the Herbarium, feel that 
we should not allow the occasion of your retirement from the 
have been so congenial to you in the past, and by which Botany 
has gained so much.” 
The time which has been at Mr. Hemsley’s own disposal has 
on, on the 
Flora of China, and on the Flora of Burma, conjointly with 
ne of Mr. Hemsley’s earliest distinctions was a first prize for 
Botany, awarded by the Society of Arts in 1863. He was elected 
an Associate of the Linnean Society in 1875, and became a Fellow — 
in 1896. In 1889 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. 
a me anit pe ain 
